The FIFA private investment plan has been abandoned after boycott threats, internal criticism and Carlos Cordeiro’s resignation.
The controversial FIFA private investment plan has been abandoned after global football bodies threatened boycotts and senior officials challenged President Gianni Infantino’s leadership.
FIFA had considered allowing private investors to acquire a stake in the commercial rights connected to its leading tournaments, including the World Cup.
However, intense resistance from UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation forced Infantino to withdraw the proposal. UEFA members had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan proceeded.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also condemned the proposal. He argued that football did not belong to investors and described Infantino as the wrong person to lead FIFA.
The backlash has left Infantino increasingly isolated. UEFA declared that confidence in his leadership had suffered, while Concacaf and the AFC called for greater transparency and stronger governance.
Reports also indicate that several Concacaf members have begun questioning Infantino’s ability to govern world football.
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Senior Adviser Resigns as FIFA Plan Collapses
The crisis deepened when Carlos Cordeiro resigned as a senior adviser to Infantino with immediate effect.
Cordeiro, a former US Soccer president, also served as a senior adviser to the White House task force overseeing preparations for the 2026 World Cup. He described the proposed arrangement as “a bad deal for football”.
FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour also criticised the process. He said FIFA staff had been “deceived” because Infantino had developed the proposal without sufficient openness or consultation.
Infantino acknowledged that support for the project had weakened and that the proposal had divided FIFA’s member associations. He subsequently confirmed that the FIFA private investment plan would not proceed.
The reversal marks a dramatic change in Infantino’s standing.
Earlier in July, he travelled across the United States as the World Cup reached its final stages.
On July 19, he stood beside the US President while presenting the trophy to Spain.
Less than two weeks later, Infantino faced resignations, boycott threats and public criticism after retreating from one of the most controversial proposals of his presidency.
